How to Stop Feeling Trapped in a Hifz Cycle

Picture this:

You're filled with zeal and determination as you start on the journey of Hifz, eager to commit the Qur'ān to memory. You dive in headfirst, fuelled by a great intention. Yet, somewhere along the way, the initial motivation goes, and you find yourself caught in a frustrating cycle. You start and stop, and you move from one Hifz method to another. You don't feel like things are working out. Things aren't perfect enough. You feel weak. You feel inadequate. You feel you're in the wrong place. You feel as though you need to make up for missed time. Burdened by the weight of missed opportunities and the urgency to catch up. You feel like you need to make Hifz faster. You keep making new plans and calculating when you'll finish. Every setback fuels a frantic race against time, setting new deadlines and recalculating your progress. It's a relentless Hifz cycle, leaving you feeling trapped, with no clear way out.

Does this sound familiar? Well you're not alone. I've been there too.

With over 16 years of teaching the Qur'ān and Islamic Sciences, I've weathered my own storms and remain as a humble student. I've stumbled, forgotten, and rediscovered the Qur'ān countless times. You can read my story. And sadly, I've witnessed many of you treading the same path, grappling with the same pitfalls that once ensnared me. That's why I'm about to tell you what you need to do to make sure you don't get trapped in this cycle.

Many individuals grappling with Hifz can experience the same sense of Hifz cycle, struggling to break free from the relentless loop of inconsistency. But if you're ready to reclaim control of your Hifz journey and rediscover the joy of Qur'ān memorization, I need to listen to what I have to say.

1. Hifz Consistency Over Hifz Intensity

It's easy to be seduced by the allure of fast progress, to believe that sheer force of will can compress years of memorisation into mere months. But, the true essence of Hifz isn't found in the ferocity of short-lived intensity but in the steady, relentless pursuit of consistency.

The answer lies in the very fabric of our being. Human minds thrive on habit. When we commit to a consistent routine, no matter how small the daily goal, we lay down a path of neural tracks, making it easier to recall what we've memorised. Consistency transforms the monumental task of Hifz into a series of manageable steps, each step building on the last until the whole Qur'ān stands firm in our hearts.

But the challenge: how do we overcome the urge to make up for lost time? The feeling that we are perpetually behind schedule can be overwhelming, leading us to abandon the path of consistency in favour of intense, unsustainable bursts of memorisation. The key to overcoming this is to reframe our understanding of progress. Realise that every day spent in consistent memorisation, no matter how small the portion, is a victory. It's a step forward on a journey that does not demand speed but steadfastness.

My dear sister and brother, let go of the past! Yes you might feel, the past is also your present but time is always ticking. The time that has passed is beyond our reach, but the present and future are ours to shape. Begin by setting realistic, achievable goals. Whether it's one verse a day or a page a week, the pace matters less than the regularity. Trust me. I have been through it. Pace is not worth chasing, but space is worth chasing.

In essence, the journey of Hifz is not a race against time. It's about building a relationship with the Qur'ān that grows deeper with each memorised verse. So, anchor yourself in consistency, and watch as the chains of the Hifz cycle break. Keep things simple.

Stick to a method and keep going. The more simple you keep it, the better.

2. Don't Be Alone, Seek Support and Accountability

Being on the Hifz journey solo can be like navigating a vast ocean without a compass or a map. While solitude might offer a sense of freedom, it often leads to loads of challenges, making it easy to lose direction and motivation. The absence of a guiding figure or a support system can amplify the feeling of being trapped in a Hifz cycle. It's here, in the shared experiences and collective wisdom, that the true path to Hifz unfolds—not in isolation, but in the company of those who can guide, inspire, and hold us accountable.

The importance of seeking support and accountability in the Hifz process cannot be overstated. Studies in educational psychology underscore the value of mentorship and peer support in learning processes. A mentor, be it a teacher, a Hifz instructor, or an experienced Hāfiz, serves as a lighthouse, offering guidance, correcting mistakes, and providing encouragement during times of doubt or stagnation.

Peer support adds another layer of richness to the Hifz journey. Engaging with fellow memorisers creates a sense of community and belonging, alleviating the loneliness that often accompanies this solitary pursuit. Group study sessions, memorisation circles, or even virtual check-ins can be incredibly motivating. Sharing progress, discussing challenges, and celebrating milestones together cultivates a supportive ecosystem. Research indicates that learners who engage in collaborative study are more likely to achieve their goals, owing to increased motivation and accountability.

Accountability, in particular, is a powerful motivator. Knowing that someone else is aware of your goals and progress can push you to adhere to your memorisation schedule more strictly. It transforms the abstract concept of self-discipline into a tangible commitment to oneself and others. The act of regularly reporting progress to a mentor or a peer group can significantly enhance one's focus and persistence.

However, finding the right support system requires effort and intention. Seek out teachers or mentors who not only possess a deep understanding of the Qur'ān but also embody patience and empathy. Look for study groups or memorisation circles that align with your goals and values. I have groups that offer virtual communities for Hifz students, breaking down geographical barriers and connecting hearts across the globe.

3. Breaking Free From Hifz Procrastination

Another reason for the Hifz cycle trap can be procrastinating. This is something that is physiological and linked to an emotion. It is in reality an emotion itself that is reflective of things like anxiety or depression. You may find yourself falling into a Hifz cycle due to a procrastination trap. Identifying the underlying emotional triggers can help you address procrastination effectively. Here are six common types of procrastinators you might resonate with:

1. The Perfectionist: You set impossibly high standards for yourself and fear failure or making mistakes. You believe that unless you can do something perfectly, it's not worth doing at all. As a result, you delay starting your Hifz practice because you're afraid of not measuring up to your own unrealistic expectations.
2. The Overwhelmed: You feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task ahead—memorising the entire Qur'ān seems like an insurmountable challenge. Instead of breaking it down into manageable steps, you procrastinate, hoping to avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with confronting such a daunting goal. This person is also described as the over-doer. You commit to too many things. You then fail to prioritise the most important ones. You end up failing to get them done.
3. The Avoider: You tend to avoid tasks that are uncomfortable or unpleasant, preferring to engage in activities that provide immediate gratification. Memorising the Qur'ān requires discipline and perseverance, qualities that may not come naturally to you. As a result, you procrastinate by indulging in distractions rather than facing the discomfort of Hifz practice.
4. The Fearful: You're paralysed by fear of failure or criticism, which prevents you from taking action. The thought of making mistakes or not being able to complete your memorisation goals fills you with dread, leading you to procrastinate as a way to avoid confronting your fears. This type of person worries a lot. Often times, these people need stress or pressure to get things done.
5. The Impulsive: You struggle to resist immediate temptations and find it challenging to delay gratification. When faced with the choice between engaging in Hifz practice or pursuing more instantly rewarding activities, such as social media or entertainment, you often succumb to the allure of instant gratification, putting off your memorisation efforts for later. This type of person is also a dreamer. They want everything to fall into their laps. Doing the work will either frustrate or bore them.
6. The Indecisive: You have difficulty making decisions and tend to procrastinate by endlessly deliberating over the best course of action. You may spend excessive time researching different memorisation methods or planning your study schedule, but struggle to actually start memorising. This indecisiveness leads to inaction, perpetuating the cycle of procrastination.

There's another symptom as well - that's anger. Often now spoken about. Anger makes you avoid the task because you believe you're right and everyone else is wrong. You think the task isn't worth doing in the way you're being tasked to do.

Recognising which type of procrastinator you are can provide valuable insight into your behaviour and help you develop targeted strategies to overcome the Hifz cycle you're trapped in. You might need Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for this or you might need a strong understanding individual who can teach you.

You can see that there are many things within these reasons alone that contribute to the Hifz cycle.

4. Remain On A Positive Hifz Track

While it may seem like everything surrounding the Hifz cycle is shrouded in negativity, it's essential to recognise that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and transformation. In fact, this trap we're calling a Hifz cycle is a blessing in disguise.

Here's why:

1. Self-Discovery and Reflection: The journey of Hifz is not just about memorising the Qur'ān; it's also a journey of self-discovery and reflection. During the ups and downs of the Hifz cycle, you have the opportunity to delve deep into your inner self, uncovering your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Each setback serves as a mirror, reflecting back valuable insights that propel you towards self-improvement.
2. Resilience and Perseverance: Navigating through a Hifz cycle requires resilience and perseverance. It's about picking yourself up after every stumble, dusting off the setbacks, and forging ahead with renewed determination. Through this process, you cultivate a resilient spirit that withstands challenges and setbacks. The journey of Hifz teaches you the invaluable lesson of perseverance in the face of adversity, a quality that extends far beyond Hifz.
3. Humility and Surrender: A Hifz cycle humbles you, reminding you of your limitations and dependence on Allāh. It's a journey of surrender, acknowledging that success is not solely reliant on your efforts but is ultimately in the hands of Allāh. Embracing this allows you to let go of the illusion of control and place your trust in the wisdom and guidance of Allāh. It's a profound lesson.
4. Allāh Wants You Here: As you struggle, you come to realise the profound significance of the mere fact that you're still trying. You're still maintaining a Jihād. You're still maintaining a connection with the Qur'ān. It's better than being trapped in something else isn't it?
5. Allāh Wants More From You: It's also a process to make you become who you should become. I wouldn't be here today to share this if I hadn't been through it myself. It's an opportunity for you to make amends, look at correcting yourself, polishing things up and making more effort.

In shā' Allāh, if Allāh grants me assistance, I will speak more about this in time.

May Allāh grant acceptance and blessing!

Keep going!